What is Skin Needling?
Skin needling, also known as microneedling or collagen induction therapy, is a procedure that involves using a device equipped with fine, surgical-grade needles to create thousands of microscopic channels in the skin’s surface.
These “micro-injuries” are controlled and precise, designed to trigger a natural wound-healing response without causing significant damage to the epidermis. As the skin repairs itself, it stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, leading to a smoother, firmer, and more refined skin texture.
What makes a suitable candidate for Skin Needling?
A suitable candidate for skin needling is typically an adult looking to address concerns such as fine lines, enlarged pores, superficial acne scarring, or uneven skin tone (hyperpigmentation). Since the procedure does not involve heat or harsh chemicals, it is often suitable for a wide range of skin types and tones.
Candidates should have no active skin infections, such as cold sores or inflamed acne, in the treatment area. During your consultation at our Collins Street clinic, we will evaluate your skin health and medical history to ensure this treatment is the most appropriate pathway for your goals.
What are the Skin Needling options?
There are several variations of skin needling and complementary treatments available depending on the depth of the skin concern:
- Manual vs. Automated Needling: Using a traditional dermaroller or a modern automated needling pen, which allows for adjustable depths and greater precision.
- Combination with Topicals: Applying active serums, such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, during the procedure to enhance absorption through the micro-channels.
- RF Needling: For patients requiring deeper tissue tightening, Radio Frequency Needling (which adds thermal energy) may be recommended.
- Chemical Peels: A chemical alternative for surface resurfacing that targets pigment and texture without physical needles.
Before & Afters
Disclaimer: All surgeries before & afters shown on this website are performed by Dr Mirkazemi and are published with consent by our patients. They are not guarantees that your results will be the same or similar as results will vary between individuals. The content on our page is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Any surgery or invasive procedure carries risks and has a recovery time. Before proceeding, please seek medical advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner. During your consultation, Dr Mirkazemi will carefully evaluate each individual and provide an honest and realistic assessment of what can be expected from the procedure.
Skin Needling techniques
The technique for skin needling is systematic and tailored to the thickness of the skin in different facial or body zones.
- Adjustable Depth Control: Our clinical team varies the needle depth—typically ranging from 0.5mm to 2.5mm—to treat delicate areas like the under-eyes more gently while targeting deeper scars on the cheeks or chin more intensely.
- Multi-Directional Passes: The device is moved in vertical, horizontal, and diagonal patterns to ensure uniform coverage and optimal stimulation of the dermis.
- Fractional Delivery: By creating “fractional” injuries (leaving bridges of untouched skin between the needles), the technique allows for rapid healing and reduced downtime compared to traditional ablative treatments.
Recovery after Skin Needling
Recovery after skin needling is relatively short, making it a popular choice for those with busy lifestyles.
- Week One: Immediately after the procedure, the skin will appear red, similar to a mild sunburn, and may feel tight or warm. Minor swelling and occasional pinpoint bruising can occur. By day three or four, the redness usually fades, and some light flaking or dryness may occur as the old skin cells shed.
- Month One: The initial surface redness is gone, and the skin often appears brighter. Beneath the surface, the inflammatory phase has transitioned into the proliferative phase, where new collagen begins to form.
- Month Three: The structural alterations in the skin become more apparent. Fine lines appear softened and skin texture is more refined. Most patients achieve the best results through a series of 3 to 6 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
How much does Skin Needling cost?
The cost of skin needling in Melbourne varies based on the size of the treatment area and the number of sessions required to achieve the desired clinical outcome. Treatments can be performed on the full face, neck, décolletage, or specific areas of scarring. Because every treatment plan is personalised to the individual’s skin condition, pricing is determined following a clinical assessment. We provide detailed quotes during your initial consultation at Collins St Plastic Surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions for Skin Needling
Specific Risks and Complications For Skin Needling
Skin needling, also known as microneedling, is a non-surgical procedure used to address skin texture and the appearance of fine lines or scarring by creating controlled micro-channels in the skin. While this procedure is minimally invasive compared to surgery, it still carries clinical risks and potential side effects that patients must consider before proceeding.
The following outlines the possible risks associated with skin needling. Individual skin responses vary, and complications can depend on skin type, the depth of treatment, and post-procedural care.
Common Clinical Side Effects
- Skin Irritation and Redness: It is common to experience redness and sensitivity immediately following the treatment, similar to a mild sunburn. This typically resolves within 48 to 72 hours but may persist longer in some patients.
- Swelling and Bruising: Minor swelling and localized bruising may occur around the treated areas. This is generally temporary as the skin begins its healing process.
- Dryness and Flaking: As the skin undergoes the healing phase, patients may experience temporary dryness, tightness, or mild peeling.
Potential Risks and Complications
- Infection: Any procedure that compromises the skin barrier carries a risk of infection. While rare when performed in a sterile clinical environment, bacterial, viral (such as a flare-up of the cold sore virus), or fungal infections can occur if the area is not managed correctly post-treatment.
- Pigment Changes: Skin needling may lead to temporary or, in rare cases, permanent changes in skin colour. This includes hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin), particularly in individuals with darker skin tones or those who experience sun exposure shortly after treatment.
- Scarring: Although skin needling is often used to address existing scars, there is a very small risk of developing new hypertrophic or keloid scarring if the skin reacts abnormally to the micro-injuries.
- Allergic Reactions: Some patients may experience an adverse or allergic reaction to topical serums, numbing creams, or the materials used during the procedure.
- Persistent Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience prolonged skin sensitivity to sunlight or skincare products following the treatment.
Treatment Considerations
- Individual Results May Vary: The degree of change to the skin’s appearance cannot be guaranteed. Anatomical factors, age, and lifestyle choices (such as smoking or sun exposure) can affect the outcome.
- Need for Multiple Sessions: Optimal results for addressing specific skin concerns typically require a series of treatments over several months.
- Contraindications: Skin needling may not be suitable for patients with active skin infections, certain blood-clotting disorders, or those currently using specific acne medications.
General Risks & Complications of Non-Surgical Treatments
While non-surgical cosmetic treatments are minimally invasive and typically involve less downtime than surgery, they are still medical procedures and carry potential risks.
These may include swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, infection, allergic reactions, asymmetry, skin discoloration, vascular compromise (in rare cases), and unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes. Certain treatments such as injectables, lasers, and energy-based devices also carry procedure-specific risks depending on the area treated and the product or technology used. Individual factors including medical history, medications, autoimmune conditions, and smoking can influence healing and outcomes.
A thorough consultation and adherence to aftercare instructions are essential to minimise complications and ensure safe, optimal results.
